Breana Phelps

5 Ways MusiCares Supports Women Year-Round

In celebration of Women’s History Month, MusiCares highlights how they work to provide for women 365 days a year — from health screenings to support groups.

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Since its inception, MusiCares has been dedicated to uplifting the importance of equality, empowerment, and representation in music.

Acting as a safety net to the music community, MusiCares offers mental health and addiction recovery services, health services, and human services to those in need. Many of these services are offered throughout the year, and several place women at the forefront.

As we celebrate Women's History Month this March, take a look at some of the programs MusiCares provides to support women year-round.

## Women's Support Groups

MusiCares offers free and confidential cyber emotional support groups on a weekly basis to those in need.
From battling underrepresentation and navigating imposter syndrome to managing work-life balance, MusiCares recognizes the unique struggles that come alongside being a woman in the music industry. As a result, they have established a support group specifically for women in music.

The group is held virtually every Thursday from 12 to 1 p.m. CT by Danielle Bowker, a Licensed Professional Counselor in Tennessee with a private practice in the Nashville area. She is also a certified EMDR clinician who specializes in trauma-informed care for those in the industry.

Danielle has over 10 years of experience working directly with music professionals.

To participate in the Women's Support Group, contact Danielle directly at Danielle@dBCounseling.com.

## Women's Health Screenings

Year-round, MusiCares hosts ongoing virtual women's health screenings to eligible music industry professionals across the country. These screenings are free and provide full lab work to assess anemia, kidney/liver function, electrolytes, thyroid function, cholesterol panel, and diabetes. Mammogram screenings are also available for women over 40. Registrations for these screenings are accepted and reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis.

Visit MusiCares.org to stay up-to-date on new offerings every month, and check out our **[events page](https://www.musicares.org/events)** for more details.

## Free Weekly Yoga

MusiCares hosts free virtual yoga sessions every Wednesday at 8 a.m. PST / 11 a.m. EST. These 30 minute sessions require no previous experience and promote mid-week mindfulness.

While all are welcome to join regardless of gender, the March sessions will place a focus on the unique physical and mental challenges that women face in today’s age to honor Women's History Month.

This opportunity is open to those who have received assistance from MusiCares in the past or who have at least five years of paid experience in the music industry. Register and learn more **[here](https://musicaresfreeweeklyyoga012022.splashthat.com/)**.

## Mental Health Treatment &amp; Resources

MusiCares has a Mental Health and Addiction Services Team composed of licensed professionals dedicated to assisting eligible individuals find the mental health treatment that they need. MusiCares offers financial assistance and resources for psychotherapy, coaching and psychiatric expenses, inpatient and outpatient treatment, detox and sober living costs.

MusiCares works with many mental health professionals who understand the struggles women in music face day-to-day.

To qualify for this funding, individuals must have worked in the music industry for a minimum of three years or have at least six commercially released recordings or videos.

For more information, visit **[www.musicares.org/get-help](www.musicares.org/get-help)**.

## In-Person &amp; Virtual Programming

The MusiCares Health &amp; Human Services Team hosts in-person and virtual programming throughout the year that places a focus on women in music and the need for a more diverse, inclusive industry.

In the past, MusiCares has hosted events exploring topics including personal growth as a woman in the music industry, women in recovery, the challenges that women of color experience working in and out of recovery, and more.

View MusiCares' upcoming programs in celebration of Women's History Month **[here](https://www.musicares.org/news/programs-virtual-events-march-2022-womens-history-month-sxsw-panel)**.

**[10 Things MusiCares Did To Support The Music Community In 2021](https://www.musicares.org/news/2021-achievements-support-music-community-donations-programs-surveys)**

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How MusiCares Supports Women Year-Round

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MusiCares Executive Director Laura Segura On What Keeps Her Inspired & Why The Organization Is "Stronger Than Ever"

On March 1, Laura Segura was honored as a top executive at Billboard's Women In Music ceremony. To celebrate the honor — and International Women's Day — Segura highlights the importance of leaning into your natural talent and how that leads to success.

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MusiCares congratulates Executive Director Laura Segura on being honored as a Billboard 2023 Women In Music top executive in activism and philanthropy. Since starting at MusiCares in 2020, the organization has seen growth in services, programs, partnerships, and its internal team. Segura has also guided the organization through their long-term recovery efforts during and post pandemic.

Her leadership and inspiration reaches beyond MusiCares and those we serve, and this recognition shows her impact across the music industry. And although it wasn’t her first time receiving the Billboard Women In Music honor — she also made the list in 2022 — Segura felt just as empowered at this year’s ceremony.

“I was humbled by the thought of all that it takes for women to live their lives to the fullest,” she captioned an Instagram photo from the event. “Stay strong out there ladies.”

In celebration of International Women’s Day, MusiCares highlights Segura with an interview that dives deeper into what keeps her inspired, MusiCares’ achievements over the years, and embracing authenticity as a woman in music — and beyond.

**MusiCares’ mission has the importance of equality and empowerment built in. What about the mission inspires you as a leader?**

The inclusivity of the MusiCares mission is what keeps me inspired. I love that we help all the humans behind music, because music gives so much to the world. 

I love working for a company that creates safe spaces and works to dismantle stigmas. I'm naturally driven to serve and give back, and when I know that we do it on such a scale, for so many people in the music industry, that really keeps me inspired.  My hope is that I lead in the same way, being inclusive and intentional on always lifting those around me. 

**What are you most proud of in the past year at MusiCares?**

I’m most proud of the team that we're building internally at MusiCares. We have done a lot of work to preserve the respected 30+ year reputation of MusiCares, while also turning a new page to modernize and digitize our operations. That has required us to go through a lot of change as a team. 

This last year, coming out of the hardest relief effort the organization has ever completed, it’s been beautiful to watch how the team has come out stronger, better and bonded. I'm so proud of our team.  It is the team that brings our mission to life every day in service of the music community.

**MusiCares was able to serve over 21,400 clients, which is double what an average year used to be. What led to that shift and what do you think this next year will look like?**

Well first, we’re comparing a multi-year average to this latest year. So, I think it is important to acknowledge this has not been an immediate shift. This impressive stat is actually pointing to the massive evolution of the organization.

That said, we have seen a lot of growth in the last few years, for sure, for a couple reasons.  The pandemic has forever changed music and who we are as a music community. We took a stand very early, alongside the Recording Academy, to create the COVID Relief Fund. I think taking that stand as an organization, to raise our hand and do the hard work it took to help the community through such a devastating time, has raised awareness about who MusiCares is and what MusiCares is capable of. 

I think that also helped destigmatize asking for help. It’s raised awareness around the importance of mental health and preventative health year-round, not just in times of disaster or in times of crisis. So more people are asking for help, more people are dedicating themselves to preventative wellness, and more people are aware of what MusiCares can do for them. MusiCares is stronger than ever knowing that we can be a scalable solution for the music community, in the worst of times and in the best of times.

**What are you most excited about in this next year for MusiCares?**

I'm most excited about continuing to think about innovative ways to serve, and to challenge ourselves to target and personalize services for certain genres and for certain types of needs that require more acute response. MusiCares has done a great job over the years of providing health and human services broadly. I know that we can keep digging deeper to find new frontiers as an organization, and that's what excites me the most.

**Do you have any advice for women just starting out in their careers, hoping to find a path to leadership?**

First and foremost, I hope that the current leadership of companies and industries recognize how many up-and-coming women there are who want opportunities — and I would hope that opportunities are being created for them. 

For the individuals trying for those opportunities, I'd say the most important thing is not to fixate on leadership in terms of a title or rank, but rather, focus on being true to who you are and what your calling is. Day in and day out, regardless of your title, be authentic and true to that calling. The more you can do really great hard work with that authentic truth in mind, leadership positions will naturally come. 

It's about being a leader in your own personal life, and being true to who you are first. That makes you ready for leadership titles or positions when they're presented in your career. 

I think most women will get discouraged or frustrated if they're just chasing a title. You might find yourself getting the title and then finding out that it doesn't actually fulfill what you were looking for in the first place. The most important thing is to find your natural talent, and then lean into that.  And then I think the other side of the coin is for those in power to recognize others who are naturally inclined for leadership, and provide for them paths to grow.

[5 Ways MusiCares Supports Women Year-Round](https://www.musicares.org/news/womens-history-month-programs-support-groups-events-resources)

Laura Segura On MusiCares' Wins & Staying Inspired

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MusiCares Launches 2023 Wellness In Music Survey: Here's How To Participate

The 2023 Wellness in Music Survey informs the future of MusiCares' programs and services. Between March 6 and March 20, professionals across every spectrum of the music industry are invited to make their voices heard.

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Today (March 6), MusiCares launches their third annual [Wellness in Music Survey](https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/7225360/MusiCares-2023-Wellness-in-Music-Survey), a study intended to deepen MusiCares' understanding of the music community's new and emerging issues. It serves two important functions: to ensure that MusiCares' services are tailored to meet the community's needs, and to provide a clear window into the well-being of the people we rely on to give music to the world.

The survey contains 78 data points that are designed to answer an important question: "How is the music community doing?" It focuses on mental health, financial wellness and literacy, preventive and self-care habits, alcohol and drug use, health insurance status, diversity, equity and inclusion, and more.

All survey respondents submit their answers anonymously, and questions will be available in both Spanish and English.

In order to provide a strong safety net for all music professionals, the questions are designed to help participants paint an accurate picture of their current challenges, the root causes of those difficulties, and the realities of the gig economy.

Since COVID-19 restrictions have loosened, many live music workers have resumed a close-to-normal lifestyle and income. MusiCares is hopeful to see year-over-year improvements thanks to the industry's relative recovery from the pandemic.

A report will be publicly available after the survey's close. All music professionals are encouraged to participate and [share with their network](https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1wnXwhURpBZ5DSxwBFi6cCOlecwlvcHFI). 

[Contribute your valuable experience here](https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/7225360/MusiCares-2023-Wellness-in-Music-Survey). Spanish speakers,[fill out the Wellness in Music Survey in Spanish here](https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/7232341/Encuesta-de-Salud-y-Bienestar-2023-de-MusiCares).

[10 Ways MusiCares Supported The Music Community In 2022](https://www.musicares.org/news/programs-support-2022-summary-recap-initiatives-music-community-tuned-partnership-mental-health-treatment)

MusiCares Launches 2023 Wellness In Music Survey

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Celebrate World Hearing Day With An Insightful Conversation Between MusiCares And Tuned

This March 3 — also known as World Hearing Day — hear from Tuned CEO and Head of Audiology as they chat with MusiCares' Stefanie Curtiss about how to protect your ears and prevent hearing loss.

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Every year, the World Health Organization's Office of Prevention of Blindness and Deafness promotes hearing health by dedicating March 3 as World Hearing Day.

As people around the world celebrate this year, MusiCares shares an informative and beneficial conversation between MusiCares' Managing Director of Health Services, Stefanie Curtiss, and Tuned's CEO Danny Aronson and [Head of Audiology, Dr. Heather Malyuk](https://www.musicares.org/news/hearing-health-tuned-heather-malyuk-audiologist-protection-music-industry-professionals-partnership-provider-interview). The three discuss the importance of protecting your hearing health, as well as offer tips to music professionals about how to prolong careers in the industry.

In this informative conversation, you'll learn why proper hearing conservation is essential for all musicians, producers, and engineers; what strategies you can use to protect your ears and prolong your career; and why Tuned is dedicated to helping the music community take better care of their hearing.

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Tuned and MusiCares [announced a partnership](https://www.musicares.org/news/tuned-partnership-announcement-hearing-health-company-care-assistance-music-industry-screening-audiologist-consultation-platform) in October 2022, which will bring comprehensive hearing care to MusiCares' clients across the U.S.

If you or someone you know is a music professional, sign up for our hearing care services today: [tunedcare.com/musicares](http://tunedcare.com/musicares).

[Composer Richard Einhorn Highlights Hearing Loss's Impact On Mental Health](https://www.musicares.org/news/richard-einhorn-interview-hearing-loss-impact-mental-health)

Watch A Conversation Between MusiCares And Tuned

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Here’s What To Expect At The 2023 Persons Of The Year Gala

Ahead of the Feb. 3 event, get a feel for the excitement that will take place at the 2023 Persons of the Year gala — including an epic tribute concert and some unforgettable surprises.

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This Friday, Feb. 3, marks the return of MusiCares' Annual GRAMMY Week Gala — better known as Person of the Year —  to the Los Angeles Convention Center, after the COVID-19 pandemic forced the event to take a near three-year hiatus from the venue. Although guests can rest assured many of the event's classic features (a star-studded concert, a catered dinner, a silent auction) remain the same, no two Person of the Year events are exactly alike.

This year is going to be especially unique, as MusiCares has not one but two honorees. The Persons of the Year gala will honor Berry Gordy and Smokey Robinson, and will feature a stacked lineup of performers to pay tribute to the Motown legends, among many other exciting moments.

To make sure you're cruisin' seamlessly into this year's celebration, here's what to expect at the 2023 Persons of the Year event!

### An All-Night Dance Party

The Motown catalog is one of the most epic in music history, rife with upbeat hits that make it simply impossible to not get up and move. In fact, the concert portion of this year's event features over five songs that have hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100!

Plus, this year's house band is led by the best of the best, the acclaimed Greg Phillinganes, who has worked with an endless list of talent including Paul McCartney, Michael Jackson, Donna Summer, and more.

Make sure you wear your dancing shoes — because you're sure to be dancing in the streets!

### GRAMMY Award Winners and Best New Artist Nominees

With [over 20 performers set to take the stage](https://www.musicares.org/news/2023-persons-of-the-year-performers-grammys-tribute-concert-motown-smokey-robinson-berry-gordy-stevie-wonder-lionel-richie-brandi-carlile), this year's concert is jam-packed with GRAMMY nominees and winners of years past — Sheryl Crow, John Legend, Brandi Carlile, Mumford &amp; Sons and the Temptations, to name a few.

But the show will also feature three artists who are up for Best New Artist at the 2023 GRAMMYs: 23-year-old jazz vocalist Samara Joy, bluegrass singer and multi-instrumentalist Molly Tuttle, and contemporary jazz duo DOMi &amp; JD Beck. All three are performing for the very first time on the Persons of the Year stage, and all three are up for Best New Artist at this year's GRAMMY Awards.

Whether GRAMMY alumni or first-timers, the artistry is sure to blow you away.

### One-Of-A-Kind Auction Items

MusiCares' gala wouldn't be complete without a silent auction featuring one-of-a-kind items and experiences. Proceeds from the auction help to support MusiCares' vital health and human services that support music people who have fallen on hard times.

This year's auction includes amazing travel packages, gallery pieces, signed guitars, and a virtual wine tasting with 2023 Persons of the Year Honoree Smokey Robinson himself! Bidding is open now at[ this link](https://one.bidpal.net/) and will close at approximately 8:15 pm PT on February 3rd, 2023. If you are a winner, you will be able to pick up your item at Auction check out after the tribute concert. 

### A Motown Reunion

MusiCares knows there ain't nothing like the real thing — which is why we've gathered your favorite Motown artists to come and pay tribute to the incomparable Berry Gordy and Smokey Robinson.

Get excited for musical giants to take the stage, including the Temptations, the Isley Brothers, Lionel Richie, Four Tops, and more! Performing their timeless hits, these Motown legends will reunite to create a once-in-a-lifetime concert experience.

### The Unexpected!

Finally, we encourage all guests to expect the unexpected, because we've got some exciting surprises in store for Friday evening. While we can't say much, we heard it through the grapevine that these surprises will surely make for one unforgettable night.

*For more information on MusiCares Persons of the Year, visit our event guide and FAQ at* [https://one.bidpal.net/personoftheyear/custom/custom3](https://one.bidpal.net/personoftheyear/custom/custom3).

[Listen: 40 Songs To Honor Berry Gordy &amp; Smokey Robinson, The 2023 MusiCares Persons Of The Year](https://www.musicares.org/news/person-year-2023-motown-playlist-essential-songs-berry-gordy-smokey-robinson-2023-grammys-65th-grammy-awards)

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